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Re: My roof was looking barren, I thought some PV panels would be nice...

Oh, what a glorious sight! I'd love to have a setup like that. More questions:

How does the system handle shading? It looks like some of the panels above the garage would be in shade some of the time.
What's the expected lifespan of the system?
Any maintenance needed? Like washing dust off the panels?

Re: My roof was looking barren, I thought some PV panels would be nice...

Quote:

Originally Posted by smart-za

How does the system handle shading? It looks like some of the panels above the garage would be in shade some of the time.
What's the expected lifespan of the system?
Any maintenance needed? Like washing dust off the panels?
-Simon

Because of the individual microinverters, any shaded panel won't affect the output from the others.
The only parts of the system that get 'used up' would be the panels and microinverters. The entire system is warranted for 10 years, inverters for 15 and panels guaranteed to 80% output for 25 years.
No maintenance required, we don't get too much dust where I am, but pollen buildup can be an issue in the spring. Fortunately it also rains often in the spring so it should all get rinsed off. Due to the dark PV cells and frames any snow should melt or slide off quickly.

@msirach: So far today I've seen 7460W max, which isnt too bad for mid september sun angle.
Here's a youtube of my meter spinning backwards. It hasn't been replaced by the utility with a digital one yet.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUOOTBKjqZM

Re: My roof was looking barren, I thought some PV panels would be nice...

It pays for itself in about 6 years with Energy credits alone. The money I save on electricity or sell back to the grid is just gravy. The system should increase the home's value by a minimum of what I paid out of pocket. Since Pennsylvania's credits are winding down, it will only get more expensive.

Re: My roof was looking barren, I thought some PV panels would be nice...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichXKU

It pays for itself in about 6 years with Energy credits alone. The money I save on electricity or sell back to the grid is just gravy. The system should increase the home's value by a minimum of what I paid out of pocket. Since Pennsylvania's credits are winding down, it will only get more expensive.

Good deal then. Personally, I'd love to have the full shebang. I'd sock in a GeoThermal heating system, PV on the roof, and a Wind Turbine in the yard. However, the turbine would likely get axed for aesthetic reasons. The only reason I can see not doing it, is our house is just too small for our family anymore, and we're likely to move before adding on. If I had a "forever" home, this would be darn attractive though.